Miss Turks & Caicos

Beryl Christian Kateri Handfield

Beryl was born on the beautiful sunshine islands of Turks & Caicos, she graduated from the Raymond Gardiner High School having displayed excellent leadership qualities, which earned her several key positions within the institution, e.g. Leader of the School debating team, House Captain for the annual track and field championships, Head Prefect and best speaker. She was also a member of the Islands Cultural Group and Steele Orchestra, where she performed as a musician, dancer and singer, and with the group has performed in many countries around the world. Beryl is now a second year student in Hospitality, Tourism and Travel. Her ambition is to become the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture, and ultimately the owner of her own 5 star hotel. Her hobbies are: Reading, nature, modern and folk dance. She also enjoys softball. Beryl’s motto is: "Determination, Dedication and Discipline bring Success".


Where did you grow up? Tell us a little about your home town/city, and family.
I grew up in the beautiful island of North Caicos, which is the second largest island in the Turks & Caicos Islands. The Turks & Caicos Islands are located south east of the Bahamas islands, surrounded by miles and miles of white sandy beaches and crystal clear aqua marine water. North Ciaos is known for its vegetation, warm hospitality and good home cooking. My family consists of eight persons; parents, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. In these islands everyone one is closely knitted and looks out for each other.

What Jobs have you done? What was the most interesting/bizarre?
During my first year of college I worked part time with the Environmental Health Department. I found this to be very interesting as I learnt the importance of a clean safe environment and was able to teach others of the environment and the importance of having a clean environment. My slogan was "Be a Clean Litter Critter".

What are your career ambitions, how do you plan to realise them?
An interesting event that I attended was the AIDS walk sponsored by the AIDS foundation and the National Trust on the island of Middle Caicos in September this year.This event was mainly for the children of the islands and I will always remember it for many reasons. The main reason is that the children were taught about the epidemic and how it affects our society. I feel that an event of such nature is accepted by many young people as it allows them to be comfortable speaking about sex, which is the main vehicle for transporting AIDS/HIV.

What is the proudest moment of your life? (Not including winning your National Title)
The proudest moment of my life is graduation form high school with 9 O’Levels / CXC (Caribbean Examinations Councils). The reason for this is because I had previously set these goals for myself and achieved. I believe that what ever one put his or her mind to do it will be achieved.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
The most embarrassing moment that I have ever experienced was during my last year of high school. On my way to the podium to conduct general devotions, I tripped and fell in front of the entire student body.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
Since winning the national title, I am recognised by everyone everywhere I go as a public figure. I have received words of encouragement from different walks of life. And I see it as being a stepping-stone to get event closer to the people of my country.

Tell us about an interesting event you have attended, or a person that you have met.
My career goal is to become the Minister of Education, Youth Sport, Culture and Gender Affairs. And later owning and managing my own 5-star resort in Turks&Caicos Islands. I plan to achieve these goals by continuing my education at the highest academic level possible and continue to contribute to the development of my country so that my people would be able to enjoy my achievement with me.

What would you like to do, if you became Miss World 2004?
If I were to be crowned Miss World 2004, I would first and foremost educate and promote the wider world about my country, the Turks & Caicos Islands and it’s many attractions. As the Turks&Caicos Islands are few, however, rich in culture, hospitality, sun, sand and sea. Secondly, I would establish a foundation for children and adults alike with HIV/AIDS. To help supply food, medicine and health care for them.

If you had a personal motto what would it be?
Hard work, perseverance and dedication is the key to success.

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